We know that home is not a safe place for many, which can be particularly problematic right now as people shelter in place. Domestic violence and sexual assault are about power and control. When a perpetrator loses a sense of control (and who hasn’t lost a sense of control right now?), the violence often increases. Economic losses, which many are experiencing, are another well-researched predictor of an increase in violent episodes. There are some resources for families that we wanted to share:
Hotline: The hotline for Oklahoma as well as the national hotline are still operational. The YWCA operates the state hotline for domestic or intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking. They report, “YWCA OKC Emergency Shelter and Hotlines will continue to stay open 24/7 to serve victims and their children. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the hotline at 800-522-7233.” For their full Covid-19 page see (también en español):
https://www.ywcaokc.org/covid-19-response
National Hotline is:
1-800-799-7233
website (también en español):
Click for National Website Hotline website
Safety Plan: If you experience violence in your home, please consider having a professional help you make a safety plan. You can do this by calling one of the above hotlines, or by visiting one of the below websites. Click here for information on checking your tech if the violent person in your life monitors your phone, computer, etc.:
Click here for National Domestic Violence Hotline Safety Plan
Click here for Love is Respect Safety Plan
Know the Risk Factors: Oklahoma consistently ranks in the top 20 states for rates of women murdered by men, in which the victims knew or had a previous relationship with the perpetrator. A trained domestic violence/sexual assault advocate can help you identify your risk level by doing a risk assessment. Some common risk factors for lethality include:
- increase in frequency or severity of violence
- drug/alcohol abuse
- if the perpetrator threatens to harm self, you, or children
- pet abuse
- symbolic violence (destroying wedding photos, etc.)
- loss of job, or economic stress
- loss of relationship, or if victim begins a new relationship
- onset of stalking
We urge you to take your safety seriously. If you have experienced violence, it is not your fault, your concerns aren’t silly, and you are not alone.
OKPTA Cultivate 
One thought on “Cultivate…SAFETY when Home is Not a Safe Place”